The cell phone world is a jungle. Try to find your way through the maze of offers and stunts. One thing is certain: SIM-only subscriptions are the cheapest.
SIM cards
The small cards that make it possible to make calls and use the internet with a mobile phone are called SIM cards. Smartphones are often purchased with a subscription that is on a SIM card. Monthly payments are then made for the telephone and the subscription. But with SIM-only you simply purchase only a SIM card, so without a phone. For example, you can buy the telephone separately or have it given to you by someone.
Subscription or prepaid?
Sim-only cards are available with a subscription and with prepaid credit. Anyone who takes out a subscription, also known as a bundle, knows in advance how many calling minutes, text messages and MBs he can use per month at a fixed price. Prepaid means that a certain amount of calling minutes, text messages and MBs is purchased. Once they have been used up, you buy again.
Why choose SIM only?
Anyone who buys a telephone and then takes out a SIM-only subscription is cheaper than those who opt for a subscription with telephone. And sim-only offers more options. A provider such as Ziggo, for example, has affordable SIM-only subscriptions for Ziggo customers. These days, switching from subscription and/or provider is a breeze. So even if you have purchased a subscription with a device, you can switch to SIM-only after the expiry of the existing contract.
Unlocked
If you opt for a SIM-only subscription, you need a smartphone that is SIM-free. The latter means that all SIM cards can be used with the device. So keep that in mind when purchasing a new device. In subscriptions with telephone, there is often a SIM lock on the device. After a certain period, usually a year, each provider will unlock the smartphone free of charge. At your own request, of course. Please contact your provider for this.